Global Business Coalition Releases Report on Corporate Commitment to HIV/AIDS

The Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS on Wednesday released a report that examines corporate commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, the New York Times reports (Altman, New York Times, 6/1). "The State of Business and HIV/AIDS (2006): A Baseline Report" was designed using GBC's Best Practice AIDS Standards Assessment Tool -- a 10-part self-assessment tool that helps companies identify their response to HIV/AIDS and examine their progress -- and was conducted by Booz Allen Hamilton. The report looks at the best practices in businesses' response to the pandemic (GBC release, 5/31). The report finds that private companies are more likely to provide antiretroviral drugs for employees as the cost of the drugs declines, the Times reports (New York Times, 6/1). The report also finds that several hundred corporations have become increasingly committed to fighting HIV/AIDS and presents trends by "region, industry, enterprise scale and engagement type" (GBC release, 5/31). The report finds that 36% of 75 GBC member companies are subsidizing HIV/AIDS treatment for employees and 55% are providing employees with access to HIV testing and counseling (Reuters, 5/31). In addition, the report evaluates the private sector's role in Africa's progress in treatment and testing; the effect of HIV/AIDS on emerging markets, such as those in China, India and Russia; and the efforts of companies to donate products or services to the fight against HIV/AIDS (GBC release, 5/31). "Many companies understand their responsibilities, but many, many more do not," Richard Holbrooke, president of GBC, said. According to Holbrooke, the GBC -- which has 216 member companies -- has no Japanese members and few members from Latin American and Eastern European companies (Reuters, 5/31).

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